If you are craving a meal that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is wholesome and satisfying, this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is an absolute winner to try tonight. The luscious tang of honey mustard marinade perfectly complements the juicy grilled chicken, while the charred broccoli adds a delightful balance of smoky freshness and crunch. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with color, and packs a nutritious punch that makes it a favorite dish for any occasion, whether a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that work harmoniously to create a flavor-packed dish. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of taste, texture, and vibrant color, making the cooking process straightforward but incredibly rewarding.
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein that soaks up the marinade beautifully for juicy results.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Provides a fresh and crisp element with a smoky char after grilling.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture, helps with grilling, and enhances flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers mild heat and depth to the overall taste.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of green color.
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard (for marinade): Adds sharp, tangy flavor to balance the sweetness of honey.
- ¼ cup honey (for marinade): Brings natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional for marinade): Adds texture and a subtle earthiness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for marinade): Contributes a bright acidity that tenderizes and elevates flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinade): Keeps the chicken moist and helps coat the marinade evenly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for marinade): Infuses a savory aroma and depth to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for marinade): Adds subtle warmth and a hint of smoky color.
- ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for marinade): Balances and rounds out the marinade flavors.
How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade
Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard (if using), apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until everything is beautifully combined. This marinade is where the magic begins — its perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes will infuse into the chicken, promising extraordinary flavor with every bite.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, then pour in most of the marinade, reserving just 2 tablespoons for brushing later during grilling. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, up to 8 hours to deeply soak up all the flavors. This step transforms ordinary chicken into something tender, juicy, and full of character.
Step 3: Prep the Broccoli
While the chicken marinates, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning sets the stage for grilling, giving the broccoli a lightly charred exterior while retaining its crisp-tender bite and vibrant green color, adding a wonderful contrast on your plate.
Step 4: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, creating the perfect environment to cook the chicken and broccoli simultaneously. This ensures the meat develops a lovely smoky crust without drying out, while the broccoli gets those charming smoky charred edges.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken and Broccoli
Grill the chicken breasts for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. During the last minute on each side, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade to boost flavor and develop a shiny glaze. Meanwhile, grill the broccoli in a grill basket or on foil for around 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally so the florets become slightly charred and tender without losing their crunch.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken and broccoli from the grill. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to lock in the juices, then slice it against the grain. This resting time is key to juicy, flavorful chicken that melts in your mouth. Pair the tender slices with the grilled broccoli and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a simple yet elegant choice that brightens both the flavor and presentation of this dish. A light drizzle of extra honey mustard marinade or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also lift the overall taste, adding zing and brightness to each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside fluffy rice, warm quinoa, or couscous to create a filling, balanced meal. These grains soak up the honey mustard glaze beautifully, providing a comforting texture contrast. For a lower-carb option, consider roasted sweet potatoes or a crisp garden salad to maintain a fresh, light complement.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering the marinated chicken pieces and alternating with broccoli florets to create delicious grilled kebabs. Or, slice the chicken and layer it over a bed of mixed greens for a vibrant dinner salad. Presentation ideas like these make the Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe perfect for entertaining or simply making dinner feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover grilled chicken and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this recipe perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
If you want to keep leftovers longer, place the chicken and broccoli separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. Properly wrapped, they can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing too much flavor or texture.
Reheating
To preserve moisture, gently reheat the chicken and broccoli in a microwave or oven at a low temperature. Adding a splash of water or broth helps prevent drying out. Avoid overheating to keep the tender texture and vibrant flavors intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative for this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. They tend to be juicier and have a richer flavor, which complements the marinade wonderfully. Just adjust grilling time slightly if needed.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes will give the chicken a nice flavor boost, but for the best results, marinate for up to 8 hours. This longer time allows the honey mustard marinade to deeply penetrate, making the chicken even more tender and tasty.
Can I make this recipe indoors?
Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes and roast the broccoli alongside on a separate sheet pan. This method still delivers great flavor and texture without the outdoor grill.
Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes! All ingredients in this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, which makes it a perfect choice for those with dietary restrictions.
What can I serve with this meal for a more substantial dinner?
Pair the grilled chicken and broccoli with grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous. Adding a side salad or some roasted potatoes will round out the meal beautifully and provide a variety of textures and flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines healthful ingredients with irresistible flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or inviting friends over, the simplicity and deliciousness of this dish are sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy every juicy, tangy, and smoky bite!
Print
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 8 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts glazed with a flavorful honey mustard sauce, paired with charred, crisp-tender broccoli. A healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free meal perfect for summer grilling or an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broccoli
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Honey Mustard Marinade
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard (if using), apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade for brushing later. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour in the remaining marinade, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high temperature, preparing for cooking both chicken and broccoli simultaneously.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last minute of grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and glaze.
- Grill the Broccoli: Place broccoli in a grill basket or on foil and grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until crisp-tender and slightly charred.
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken and broccoli from the grill. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve the sliced chicken alongside the grilled broccoli and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For juicier meat, substitute boneless chicken thighs for the breasts.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or couscous to make it a complete meal.
- If grilling is not an option, bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 25–30 minutes and roast the broccoli alongside for an easy oven method.
